This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of music and society from the real IELTS exam.
It is a similar to another question about music that you can read here.
The question is very tricky because it is hard to think of clear specific examples and relevant main ideas.
Read what I did with it below!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
Before reading, listen to the audio and take notes:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Music & Society (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Many people believe that music is just a form of entertainment, whilst others believe that music has a much larger impact on society today.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
There are those who claim that music is solely for entertainment purposes while others feel it has larger societal implications. In my opinion, ostensibly most people listen to music for fun, however it still opens up pathways for fringe elements of society to become mainstream.
Those that argue for the narrower view of music can easily highlight the ways in which music is consumed today. People listen to music at parties, nightclubs, and weddings to dance and enjoy themselves. They listen using streaming services like YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify to relax throughout the average day. The end result of all that listening is not that individuals think deeply about the lyrics or in any way question their actions, attitudes, or prejudices. Moreso than narrative forms of entertainment like movies and books, music is almost purely for entertainment and rarely rises above the level of subconscious enjoyment.
While there is some truth to the argument above, music turns a positive spotlight on previously underrepresented demographic groups. People do not simply listen to music; they are also apt to follow and admire their favourite artists. One of the best examples of this is the championing of LGBT lifestyles. Elton John was an early example of an artist whose sexuality was fluid at a time when many viewed this behaviour as deviant. He did not come out as gay until much later but his influence on aspiring artists and the average listener was immense. Today, there are many artists who are openly gay and this not only reduces bigotry in general by undermining its logic but also inspires others to come out. A person listening to and following artists in any genre today accepts these once alternative lifestyles as the norm.
In conclusion, music has an important role to play in society by giving voice to previously silent groups. In the same way that music broke down racial barriers in the 20th century, the 21st century will be the century of inclusion.
Word Count: 330
Analysis
1. There are those who claim that music is solely for entertainment purposes while others feel it has larger societal implications. 2. In my opinion, ostensibly most people listen to music for fun, however it still opens up pathways for fringe elements of society to become mainstream.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
Write your opinion – make it clear so the examiner knows which side you support!
1. Those that argue for the narrower view of music can easily highlight the ways in which music is consumed today. 2. People listen to music at parties, nightclubs, and weddings to dance and enjoy themselves. 3. They listen using streaming services like YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify to relax throughout the average day. 4. The end result of all that listening is not that individuals think deeply about the lyrics or in any way question their actions, attitudes, or prejudices. 5. Moreso than narrative forms of entertainment like movies and books, music is almost purely for entertainment and rarely rises above the level of subconscious enjoyment.
Write a clear topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Develop your main idea with specific information.
Keep mentioning specific examples such as real streaming services.
State the result to continue developing the main idea.
Relate it back to the overall topic/your main idea to finish development.
1. While there is some truth to the argument above, music turns a positive spotlight on previously underrepresented demographic groups. 2. People do not simply listen to music; they are also apt to follow and admire their favourite artists. 3. One of the best examples of this is the championing of LGBT lifestyles. 4. Elton John was an early example of an artist whose sexuality was fluid at a time when many viewed this behaviour as deviant. 5. He did not come out as gay until much later but his influence on aspiring artists and the average listener was immense. 6. Today, there are many artists who are openly gay and this not only reduces bigotry in general by undermining its logic but also inspires others to come out. 7. A person listening to and following artists in any genre today accepts these once alternative lifestyles as the norm.
Write another topic sentence with a new main idea.
Start to explain your main idea.
Here I begin a very specific example.
Use a real artist or song if possible!
Develop the example – don’t run away from it.
Keep developing it.
Finish developing your example and generalise it a bit.
1. In conclusion, music has an important role to play in society by giving voice to previously silent groups. 2. In the same way that music broke down racial barriers in the 20th century, the 21st century will be the century of inclusion.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in final detail/thought to get full marks from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
There are those who claim that music is solely for entertainment purposes while others feel it has larger societal implications. In my opinion, ostensibly most people listen to music for fun, however it still opens up pathways for fringe elements of society to become mainstream.
Those that argue for the narrower view of music can easily highlight the ways in which music is consumed today. People listen to music at parties, nightclubs, and weddings to dance and enjoy themselves. They listen using streaming services like YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify to relax throughout the average day. The end result of all that listening is not that individuals think deeply about the lyrics or in any way question their actions, attitudes, or prejudices. Moreso than narrative forms of entertainment like movies and books, music is almost purely for entertainment and rarely rises above the level of subconscious enjoyment.
While there is some truth to the argument above, music turns a positive spotlight on previously underrepresented demographic groups. People do not simply listen to music; they are also apt to follow and admire their favourite artists. One of the best examples of this is the championing of LGBT lifestyles. Elton John was an early example of an artist whose sexuality was fluid at a time when many viewed this behaviour as deviant. He did not come out as gay until much later but his influence on aspiring artists and the average listener was immense. Today, there are many artists who are openly gay and this not only reduces bigotry in general by undermining its logic but also inspires others to come out. A person listening to and following artists in any genre today accepts these once alternative lifestyles as the norm.
In conclusion, music has an important role to play in society by giving voice to previously silent groups. In the same way that music broke down racial barriers in the 20th century, the 21st century will be the century of inclusion.
Answers
claim argue
solely only
larger societal implications bigger effect on everyone
There are those who c__________ that music is s__________ for entertainment purposes while others feel it has l__________________. In my opinion, o_____________ most people listen to music for fun, however it still o________________ for f______________ of society to become m_______________.
Those that argue for the n_______________ of music can e___________________ the ways in which music is c_________________ today. People listen to music at parties, nightclubs, and weddings to dance and enjoy themselves. They listen using s____________________ like YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify to relax t________________ the a___________________. The e_______________ of all that listening is not that individuals t________________ about the lyrics or in any way q_______________ their actions, attitudes, or p_____________. M____________ than n______________ of entertainment like movies and books, music is almost p_______________ for entertainment and r_________________________________.
While there is s_____________ to the argument above, music turns a p__________________ on p___________________________________________________. People do not simply listen to music; they are also a_____________ follow and a_________ their favourite artists. One of the best examples of this is the c___________________ of L_______________. Elton John was an e_________________ of an artist whose s______________ was f____________ at a time when many viewed this behaviour as d___________. He did not c______________ until much later but his influence on a________________ and the a______________ was i_____________. Today, there are many artists who are o____________ and this not only r___________________ by u_____________ its l________ but also i__________ others to come out. A person listening to and following artists in any g___________ today a_________ these o_______________________ as t__________.
In conclusion, music has an important role to play in society by g_______________ to previously silent groups. I_______________________ music b______________________ in the 20th century, the 21st century will be the century of i_________________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch the video below to learn more about gay rights:
Reading Practice
Read some examples here of socially important/defining songs:
This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer essay from the real IELTS exam/test related to the topic of staying fit.
It’s an easy topic but difficult when you actually start writing about it.
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
*Before reading it, listen to the audio below and take notes to improve your listening:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Staying Fit (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Some believe that the best way to stay fit is to join a gym or health club while others think doing everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs is enough.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Many think that going to the gym is unnecessary and you can get in adequate shape simply through your day-to-day routine. In my opinion, there are benefits to a generally active lifestyle but joining a gym is still the best guarantee of a basic level of fitness.
The health benefits of everyday activities are apparent for those who are very active walkers. Doctors advise the average person to walk 10,000 steps a day to be healthy. These steps can now be easily recorded with a FitBit or Apple Watch, which means that there is less need than ever to set aside gym time. This clear goal can encourage individuals to become more aware of their daily habits and slowly change or supplement them. For example, instead of taking the elevator to one’s apartment or work, you can add a few hundred steps by taking the stairs. While at work you can walk around more often and all your progress will be digitally recorded. This dedication may become habit, eliminating the need for regular, dedicated workouts.
Despite the advantages of walking detailed above, the gym nets more impactful results. The number one leading cause of death globally is heart disease and the only way to combat it is through dietary changes and exercise. Researchers have long extolled the benefits of aerobic exercise for heart health. The most effective aerobic workouts happen at the gym on treadmills and ellipticals. Many doctors recommend that patients at risk of heart disease sign up for gym memberships and commit to a regular workout schedule as walking alone does not provide the intense workout required to strengthen the heart and prevent early death.
In conclusion, going to the gym is crucial to being in good shape. Healthy habits ranging from good nutrition to taking part in sports to making time for the gym are important checks against the inclination today towards a passive, sedentary lifestyle.
Word Count: 315
Analysis
1. Many think that going to the gym is unnecessary and you can get in adequate shape simply through your day-to-day routine. 2. In my opinion, there are benefits to a generally active lifestyle but joining a gym is still the best guarantee of a basic level of fitness.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the whole essay.
Give your opinion – make it clear.
1. The health benefits of everyday activities are apparent for those who are very active walkers. 2. Doctors advise the average person to walk 10,000 steps a day to be healthy. 3. These steps can now be easily recorded with a FitBit or Apple Watch, which means that there is less need than ever to set aside gym time. 4. This clear goal can encourage individuals to become more aware of their daily habits and slowly change or supplement them. 5. For example, instead of taking the elevator to one’s apartment or work, you can add a few hundred steps by taking the stairs. 6. While at work you can walk around more often and all your progress will be digitally recorded. 7. This dedication may become habit, eliminating the need for regular, dedicated workouts.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to develop it.
Use specific examples like the Apple Watch and FitBit.
State the result of your specific examples.
Continue to develop your main idea.
The more you develop it, the higher your task achievement score will be.
Finish the paragraph by stating the overall result related to the question.
1. Despite the advantages of walking detailed above, the gym nets more impactful results. 2. The number one leading cause of death globally is heart disease and the only way to combat it is through dietary changes and exercise. 3. Researchers have long extolled the benefits of aerobic exercise for heart health. 4. The most effective aerobic workouts happen at the gym on treadmills and ellipticals. 5. Many doctors recommend that patients at risk of heart disease sign up for gym memberships and commit to a regular workout schedule as walking alone does not provide the intense workout required to strengthen the heart and prevent early death.
Write about topic sentence with another clear main idea at the end.
Begin developing that main idea. You might have to explain your main idea first.
Use researchers if possible but don’t quote specific research.
Include specific details and use strong vocabulary.
This is a very long, complex sentence. Only write these if you are very confident in your English.
1. In conclusion, going to the gym is crucial to being in good shape. 2. Healthy habits ranging from good nutrition to taking part in sports to making time for the gym are important checks against the inclination today towards a passive, sedentary lifestyle.
Repeat your opinion.
Add a final detail or thought to get full marks from the IELTS examiner for task achievement.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Many think that going to the gym is unnecessary and you can get in adequate shape simply through your day-to-day routine. In my opinion, there are benefits to a generally active lifestyle but joining a gym is still the best guarantee of a basic level of fitness.
The health benefits of everyday activities are apparent for those who are very active walkers. Doctors advise the average person to walk 10,000 steps a day to be healthy. These steps can now be easily recorded with a FitBit or Apple Watch, which means that there is less need than ever to set aside gym time. This clear goal can encourage individuals to become more aware of their daily habits and slowly change or supplement them. For example, instead of taking the elevator to one’s apartment or work, you can add a few hundred steps by taking the stairs. While at work you can walk around more often and all your progress will be digitally recorded. This dedication may become habit, eliminating the need for regular, dedicated workouts.
Despite the advantages of walking detailed above, the gym nets more impactful results. The number one leading cause of death globally is heart disease and the only way to combat it is through dietary changes and exercise. Researchers have long extolled the benefits of aerobic exercise for heart health. The most effective aerobic workouts happen at the gym on treadmills and ellipticals. Many doctors recommend that patients at risk of heart disease sign up for gym memberships and commit to a regular workout schedule as walking alone does not provide the intense workout required to strengthen the heart and prevent early death.
In conclusion, going to the gym is crucial to being in good shape. Healthy habits ranging from good nutrition to taking part in sports to making time for the gym are important checks against the inclination today towards a passive, sedentary lifestyle.
Answers
unnecessary not needed
adequate shape fit enought
day-to-day routine daily activities
generally active lifestyle getting up to a lot
best guarantee most likely chance of
basic level of fitness minimum health
health benefits good for your health
apparent ostensible
active walkers people who walk a lot
advise give advice
easily recorded can be tracked simply
FitBit a watch for checking your health
less need than ever not so important
set aside gym time go work out
clear goal obvious aim
aware know about
daily habits what you do everyday
supplement add to, complement
taking the elevator using the elevator
progress moving forward
digitally recorded make a record of
dedication commitment to
eliminating getting rid of
regular everyday, consistently
dedicated workouts exercising for a specific purpose
detailed above mentioned before
nets gains/gets you
impactful results effective
leading cause of death globally most people around the world die from this
heart disease heart attacks, high cholesterol, etc.
Many think that going to the gym is u_______________ and you can get in a_______________ simply through your d_______________. In my opinion, there are benefits to a g_______________ but joining a gym is still the b_______________ of a b_______________.
The h_______________ of everyday activities are a_______________ for those who are very a_______________. Doctors a_______________ the average person to walk 10,000 steps a day to be healthy. These steps can now be e_______________ with a F_______________ or Apple Watch, which means that there is l_______________ to s_______________. This c_______________ can encourage individuals to become more a_______________ of their d_______________ and slowly change or s_______________ them. For example, instead of t_______________ to one’s apartment or work, you can add a few hundred steps by taking the stairs. While at work you can walk around more often and all your p_______________ will be d_______________. This d_______________ may become habit, e_______________ the need for r_______________, d_______________.
Despite the advantages of walking d_______________, the gym n_______________ more i_______________. The number one l_______________ is h_______________ and the only way to c_______________ it is through d_______________ and exercise. Researchers have long e_______________ the benefits of a_______________ for heart health. The most effective aerobic workouts happen at the gym on t_______________ and e_______________. Many doctors recommend that p_______________ at risk of heart disease s_______________ and c_______________ as walking alone does not provide the i_______________ to s_______________ the heart and p_______________.
In conclusion, going to the gym is c_______________ to being in good shape. Healthy habits r_______________ good n_______________ to t_______________ to m_______________ for the gym are important c_______________ against the i_______________ today towards a p_______________, s_______________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Here’s a video about taking 10,000 steps a day to lose weight:
Some people argue that job satisfaction is more important than job security, while others believe that they cannot always expect job satisfaction and a permanent job is more important.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
Some make the pragmatic argument that in an uncertain job market, security ought to be valued over satisfaction. In my opinion, those with families cannot be reproached for this view but it is generally more important to enjoy your job and spread goodwill.
Workers with dependents rightly value a consistent paycheck and benefits over all other factors. If someone is just starting out in a labour of love such as becoming an artist, they may struggle initially to bring home enough money to make ends meet every month. They might not be able to send their children to good schools, live in a good neighborhood, and keep everyone in the house reasonably well clothed and fed. Even if they can manage that, it will place incredible mental stress on not only them but also their spouse and children. Research has shown these deeply ingrained anxieties from childhood can persist throughout adulthood.
It is nonetheless more important to pursue a job that is fulfilling. The vast majority of the world dislikes their job and a large percentage of these people have difficulty reconciling their frustrations with their day-to-day temperament. An unhappy employee is more likely to be short with co-workers, complain to friends, and resent their family for the burden they must shoulder for their welfare. More of this persons daily interactions will be negative and this adds up over years to create the greatest global repository of ill will. Free up the same person to enjoy their job and there is a strong chance they will suddenly brighten the days of those around them.
Overall, fomenting good humour is more important and only in very rare family situations should an individual persist in a job for its stability. Many recognise this once it is too late and they already have an expensive lifestyle to maintain or their best working years are behind them.
Word Count: 315
Analysis
1. Some make the pragmatic argument that in an uncertain job market, security ought to be valued over satisfaction. 2. In my opinion, those with families cannot be reproached for this view but it is generally more important to enjoy your job and spread goodwill.
Paraphrase the overall topic of the essay for your first sentence.
Give your opinion – here mine is somewhat on both sides but I still choose overall job satisfaction.
1. Workers with dependents rightly value a consistent paycheck and benefits over all other factors. 2. If someone is just starting out in a labour of love such as becoming an artist, they may struggle initially to bring home enough money to make ends meet every month. 3. They might not be able to send their children to good schools, live in a good neighborhood, and keep everyone in the house reasonably well clothed and fed. 4. Even if they can manage that, it will place incredible mental stress on not only them but also their spouse and children. 5. Research has shown these deeply ingrained anxieties from childhood can persist throughout adulthood.
Write a topic sentence with a main idea at the end.
Here I begin with a hypothetical example.
Develop the example with specific details.
Keep developing by detailing the results.
Add in more of the result to fully develop it.
1. It is nonetheless more important to pursue a job that is fulfilling. 2. The vast majority of the world dislikes their job and a large percentage of these people have difficulty reconciling their frustrations with their day-to-day temperament. 3. An unhappy employee is more likely to be short with co-workers, complain to friends, and resent their family for the burden they must shoulder for their welfare. 4. More of this persons daily interactions will be negative and this adds up over years to create the greatest global repository of ill will. 5. Free up the same person to enjoy their job and there is a strong chance they will suddenly brighten the days of those around them.
Another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Here I explain my main idea and set up my argument to follow.
I use another hypothetical example to develop my point.
Develop your example with specific detail.
Finish develop it by stating the result.
1. Overall, fomenting good humour is more important and only in very rare family situations should an individual persist in a job for its stability. 2. Many recognise this once it is too late and they already have an expensive lifestyle to maintain or their best working years are behind them.
Repeat your opinion.
Add in a final thought or extra detail to finish your essay.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
Some make the pragmatic argument that in an uncertain job market, security ought to be valued over satisfaction. In my opinion, those with families cannot be reproached for this view but it is generally more important to enjoy your job and spread goodwill.
Workers with dependents rightly value a consistent paycheck and benefits over all other factors. If someone is just starting out in a labour of love such as becoming an artist, they may struggle initially to bring home enough money to make ends meet every month. They might not be able to send their children to good schools, live in a good neighborhood, and keep everyone in the house reasonably well clothed and fed. Even if they can manage that, it will place incredible mental stress on not only them but also their spouse and children. Research has shown these deeply ingrained anxieties from childhood can persistthroughout adulthood.
It is nonetheless more important to pursue a job that is fulfilling. The vast majority of the world dislikes their job and a large percentage of these people have difficulty reconciling their frustrations with their day-to-day temperament. An unhappy employee is more likely to be short with co-workers, complain to friends, and resent their family for the burden they must shoulder for their welfare. More of this persons daily interactions will be negative and this adds up over years to create the greatest global repository of ill will. Free up the same person to enjoy their job and there is a strong chance they will suddenly brighten the days of those around them.
Overall, fomenting good humour is more important and only in very rare family situations should an individual persist in a job for its stability. Many recognise this once it is too late and they already have an expensive lifestyle to maintain or their best working years are behind them.
Answers
pragmatic argument practical reasons
uncertain job market difficult to get/keep employment
valued over satisfaction considered more important than fulfillment
reproached questioned/criticised about
generally more important overall matters more
spread goodwill make other people happy
dependents rightly value people who rely on them justifies their choice
consistent paycheck steady employment
benefits advantages
over all other factors more important than anything else
starting out beginning
labour of love something you have passion for
struggle initially have a tough time at the beginning
bring home enough money make a large enough salary
make ends meet earn just enough
send their children to good schools enroll their kids in quality schools
reasonably well clothed and fed enough clothing and food
manage deal with
place incredible mental stress put a lot of pressure on
not only them but also both
deeply ingrained anxieties psychological trauma
persistthroughout adulthood continue as they become adults
pursue chase
fulfilling satisfying
vast majority most of
reconciling make consistent
frustrations anger
day-to-day temperament daily mood
short rude/angry with
resent hold a grudge against
burden weight to carry, responsibility
shoulder carry
welfare good of those involved
adds up combines to
greatest global repository of ill will stores up a lot of hostility
free up allows for
strong chance might happen
brighten make happier
fomenting good humour creating happy interactions
rare family situations uncommon problems at home
persist continue
stability safe and secure
recognise acknowledge
expensive lifestyle to maintain costs a lot for rent, expenses
best working years are behind them no longer in their prime
Some make the p_________________ that in an u_________________, security ought to be v_________________ . In my opinion, those with families cannot be r_________________ for this view but it is g_________________ to enjoy your job and s_________________.
Workers with d_________________ a c_________________ and b_________________ o_________________. If someone is just s_________________ in a l_________________ such as becoming an artist, they may s_________________ to b_________________ to m_________________ every month. They might not be able to s_________________, live in a good neighborhood, and keep everyone in the house r_________________. Even if they can m_________________ that, it will p_________________ on n_________________ their spouse and children. Research has shown these d_________________ from childhood can p_________________.
It is nonetheless more important to p_________________ a job that is f_________________. The v_________________ of the world dislikes their job and a large percentage of these people have difficulty r_________________ their f_________________ with their d_________________. An unhappy employee is more likely to be s_________________ with co-workers, complain to friends, and r_________________ their family for the b_________________ they must s_________________ for their w_________________. More of this persons daily interactions will be negative and this a_________________ over years to create the g_________________. F_________________ the same person to enjoy their job and there is a s_________________ they will suddenly b_________________ the days of those around them.
Overall, f_________________ is more important and only in very r_________________ should an individual p_________________ in a job for its s_________________. Many r_________________ this once it is too late and they already have an e_________________ or their b_________________.
You can find all the IELTS speaking questions and topics here.
Before reading my sample answers, you can practice
A. Answering them yourself first.
B. Listening to my audio answers and making some notes.
then enjoy!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
IELTS Speaking Model Answer: Voice (Real IELTS Speaking Exam/Test)
1. Do you like the sound of your own voice?
My voice has always bothered me actually. I think that it is a little too high-pitched and I wish that it was deeper. When I catch a movie, I get a bit jealous of the actors with their strong, gravely voices. But I’m over that now. I’m old enough now to accept the things about myself that I can’t change.
2. Has your voice altered a lot since you were younger?
Yeah, naturally, I don’t have a childish voice anymore. Like most people, my voice changed a lot when I went through puberty. That’s when I first became conscious of the way that my voice sounds. I doubt I ever gave it a second thought before it started to break and get a little deeper.
3. Is there anyone in your family with a similar voice?
That’s not something I’ve really paid much attention to but, yeah, I guess my brother has more or less the same voice as me. My dad’s voice is quite different, deeper. My mom, of course, has a very different voice. Hers is much softer and gentler, like most women. My grandfather had a really unique voice, very kind and deep.
4. Do you listen to recordings of your voice?
Yeah, all the time. I do a lot of online work that involves recording video and audio and I do all the editing myself so I listen to my own voice on recording everyday. At first, it drove me crazy to listen to it and I just had to get used to it but now I’m accustomed to it and it doesn’t bother me at all. I’d still rather listen to someone else’s voice!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
My voice has always bothered me actually. I think that it is a little too high-pitched and I wish that it was deeper. When I catch a movie, I get a bit jealous of the actors with their strong, gravely voices. But I’m over that now. I’m old enough now to accept the things about myself that I can’t change.
Yeah, naturally, I don’t have a childish voice anymore. Like most people, my voice changed a lot when I went through puberty. That’s when I first became conscious of the way that my voice sounds. I doubt I ever gave it a second thought before it started to break and get a little deeper.
That’s not something I’ve really paid much attention to but, yeah, I guess my brother has more or less the same voice as me. My dad’s voice is quite different, deeper. My mom, of course, has a very different voice. Hers is much softer and gentler, like most women. My grandfather had a really unique voice, very kind and deep.
Yeah, all the time. I do a lot of online work that involves recording video and audio and I do all the editing myself so I listen to my own voice on recording everyday. At first, it drove me crazy to listen to it and I just had to get used to it but now I’m accustomed to it and it doesn’t bother me at all. I’d still rather listen to someone else’s voice!
A few quick tips to help you, if you’re taking the test soon:
Try to speak for 2 – 4 sentences for each answer and about 20-30 seconds. If you speak a bit longer or shorter it is fine. If you talk a lot more or a lot less then it will hurt your fluency score.
Include specific detail – don’t be general. The more specific – the better vocabulary that will come out!
Don’t ask the examiner questions. You can ask them to repeat the question (once) but that’s it.
This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample answer essay from the general training test on the topic of leaving school and being successful.
Enjoy it!
Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!
Dave
Before reading, you can listen to the audio file below first:
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer General Training: Leaving School & Success (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)
Many people who drop out of school are more successful than those who complete their studies.
Why does this happen?
What does it require to be successful?
Real Past IELTS Exam/Test
There are numerous high-profile success stories about entrepreneurs who left school early. This happens because these people hone practical skills in the absence of academics and the main requirement of success is hard work.
Those who enter the labour market without academic qualifications have no choice but to compensate and make themselves concretely valuable. The most famous examples of this including Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs make for compelling articles but are not representative of most drop-outs. Most get jobs doing some kind of manual or semi-skilled labour such as training to become an electrician, plumber or cook. These jobs can withstand market fluctuations and with accumulated experience earn a high salary comparable to most university graduates and even many doctorate students.
The cliché that no one gets anywhere without working hard is true. If you choose to remain in school or drop out and enter the workforce, concerted effort will typically yield results. The examples of people getting rich quick or without much effort are appealing outliers but not instructive. A better example of the application of sustained perseverance is Dr. Seuss. His children’s books were continually rejected for more than two decades while he worked as a newspaper cartoonist to make ends meet. He continued to hone his craft and the quality of his work ensured that as long as he stuck with it, he would eventually be published. His wild success cannot be counted upon but everyone who dedicates themselves to a quality product will at least reap modest rewards.
In conclusion, those who stop studying find themselves valued for their practical skills and the key to success is hard work. Technology has disrupted the job market drastically but hard work and commitment applied to any trade will always be eminently employable skills.
Word Count: 295
Analysis
1. There are numerous high-profile success stories about entrepreneurs who left school early. 2. This happens because these people hone practical skills in the absence of academics and the main requirement of success is hard work.
Paraphrase the overall topic for the esay.
State your opinion clearly.
1. Those who enter the labour market without academic qualifications have no choice but to compensate and make themselves concretely valuable. 2. The most famous examples of this including Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs make for compelling articles but are not representative of most drop-outs. 3. Most get jobs doing some kind of manual or semi-skilled labour such as training to become an electrician, plumber or cook. 4. These jobs can withstand market fluctuations and with accumulated experience earn a high salary comparable to most university graduates and even many doctorate students.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin an example to develop your main idea.
Continue developing your main idea with specific support.
Conclude your paragraph with more supporting ideas – not a new main idea!
1. The cliché that no one gets anywhere without working hard is true. 2. If you choose to remain in school or drop out and enter the workforce, concerted effort will typically yield results. 3. The examples of people getting rich quick or without much effort are appealing outliers but not instructive. 4. A better example of the application of sustained perseverance is Dr. Seuss. 5. His children’s books were continually rejected for more than two decades while he worked as a newspaper cartoonist to make ends meet. 6. He continued to hone his craft and the quality of his work ensured that as long as he stuck with it, he would eventually be published. 7. His wild success cannot be counted upon but everyone who dedicates themselves to a quality product will at least reap modest rewards.
Write another topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Begin to develop your main idea.
Here I dismiss irrelevant examples because they don’t apply to most people.
Then I begin a better example.
I develop that example.
And keep developing the same example.
I conclude the paragraph by making it more general and applying it to people who do not become famous.
1. In conclusion, those who stop studying find themselves valued for their practical skills and the key to success is hard work. 2. Technology has disrupted the job market drastically but hard work and commitment applied to any trade will always be eminently employable skills.
Repeat your opinion.
Add a final thought/extra detail for full marks from the IELTS examiner.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
There are numerous high-profile success stories about entrepreneurs who left school early. This happens because these people hone practical skills in the absence of academics and the main requirement of success is hard work.
Those who enter the labour market without academic qualifications have no choice but to compensate and make themselves concretely valuable. The most famous examples of this including Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs make for compelling articles but are not representative of most drop-outs. Most get jobs doing some kind of manual or semi-skilled labour such as training to become an electrician, plumber or cook. These jobs can withstand market fluctuations and with accumulated experience earn a high salary comparable to most university graduates and even many doctorate students.
The cliché that no one gets anywhere without working hard is true. If you choose to remain in school or drop out and enter the workforce, concerted effort will typically yield results. The examples of people getting rich quick or without much effort are appealing outliers but not instructive. A better example of the application of sustained perseverance is Dr. Seuss. His children’s books were continually rejected for more than two decades while he worked as a newspaper cartoonist to make ends meet. He continued to hone his craft and the quality of his work ensured that as long as he stuck with it, he would eventually be published. His wild success cannot be counted upon but everyone who dedicates themselves to a quality product will at least reap modest rewards.
In conclusion, those who stop studying find themselves valued for their practical skills and the key to success is hard work. Technology has disrupted the job market drastically but hard work and commitment applied to any trade will always be eminently employable skills.
Answers
numerous high-profile success stories many well-known examples
entrepreneurs people who start their own businesses
hone perfect/improve
in the absence of without
main requirement prerequisite
labour market employment/jobs
academic qualifications degrees and certificates
compensate make up for
concretely valuable actual importance/use
compelling articles interesting news stories
not representative don’t stand in for
drop-outs people who quit school
manual using your hands/body rather than mind
semi-skilled labour work requiring some skill
electrician, plumber examples of semi-skilled labour
withstand market fluctuations not effected by economic problems
accumulated experience time spent working
comparable related/contrasting
doctorate students PhD students
cliché common expression
no one gets anywhere you will not be successful
enter the workforce get a job
concerted effort working hard
typically yield results usually successful
getting rich quick making money suddenly
appealing outliers people like to here about these fantasies
instructive teaches/shows
application of sustained perseverance continuing to work hard
Dr. Seuss a children’s book writer from the United States
continually rejected turned away again and again
newspaper cartoonist person who draws comics for papers
make ends meet make enough money
hone his craft get better at his job
stuck with it continued doing it
published released to the public
wild success became very popular
counted upon relied on
dedicates commits
reap modest rewards get at least something out of it
valued considered important
practical skills skills that have useful applications
disrupted the job market drastically the types of jobs today have changed a lot
commitment applied to any trade perseverance in any sector
eminently employable skills very valuable qualities
There are n__________________ about e__________________ who left school early. This happens because these people h__________________ practical skills i__________________ academics and the m__________________ of success is hard work.
Those who enter the l__________________ without a__________________ have no choice but to c__________________ and make themselves c__________________. The most famous examples of this including Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs make for c__________________ but are n__________________ of most d__________________. Most get jobs doing some kind of m__________________ or s__________________ such as training to become an e__________________, p__________________ or cook. These jobs can w__________________ and with a__________________ earn a high salary c__________________ to most university graduates and even many d__________________.
The c__________________ that n__________________ without working hard is true. If you choose to remain in school or drop out and e__________________, c__________________ will t__________________. The examples of people g__________________ or without much effort are a__________________ but not i__________________. A better example of the a__________________ is D__________________. His children’s books were c__________________ for more than two decades while he worked as a n__________________ to m__________________. He continued to h__________________ and the quality of his work ensured that as long as he s__________________, he would eventually be p__________________. His w__________________ cannot be c__________________ but everyone who d__________________ themselves to a quality product will at least r__________________.
In conclusion, those who stop studying find themselves v__________________ for their p__________________ and the key to success is hard work. Technology has d__________________ but hard work and c__________________ will always be e__________________.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Listen to Xyra below talk about why she dropped out:
"The highest quality materials anywhere on the internet! Dave improved my writing and vocabulary so much. Really affordable options you don't want to miss out on!"
